Friday, March 7, 2014

NAME THAT DRAGON BLOG HUNT

As the 13th stop in the Name That Dragon Blog Hunt, this post contains a clue. It is your job, as the reader, to identify the dragon described. Please remember your answer to this puzzle, as well as any past and future ones within this tour.You will need to know ALL the answers to enter for the chance to win the Grand Prize of a sterling silver Celtic triquetra on a 16 in. chain and a pre-order code.

Today I'm sharing my interview with Sir Oliver Pendragon, Theo's brother. While they are both dragons, and both outrageously sexy, Sir Oliver is a bit more...uptight than Theo.

Oliver stopped by my house, precisely on time, wearing a tailored charcoal colored suit with a lovely green patterned tie. Like when I'd seen him before, he wore his triquerta on his lapel.

I was completely at a loss with Oliver. First, he bowed to me. It was really quite charming, and totally unexpected. 'This little mage dragon is unique among the Dracopraesi. The answer to Josh's hint often competes with him to be Cait's favorite.' And then he wouldn't stop calling me milady. There's a lot to be learned from spending time with someone who has old world charm. But he never relaxed. Not that I expected to become fast friends, but there was this underlying tension- like he couldn't wait to get away and back to his world.

MW: Thank you so much for coming to visit, Sir Oliver.

Sir Oliver: Of course, milady. King Corrin insisted I come and speak with you.

MW: Wonderful. I've heard Theo and King Corrin refer to you as First Dragon. What does that mean? Is it some type of job title?

Sir Oliver: To be the First Brother of the House of Pendragon, First House of the Dracopraesi is not a job title. Our rankings are a matter of honor and respect among the brotherhood.

MW:Does this ranking give you special duties that your brothers don't have?

Sir Oliver: I do not hold “special” duties or greater responsibilities; however, I bear the weight of my brothers’ eyes on me, looking to me as the standard of what it means to be a dragon, who we are, what we are, the purpose we serve, and how we serve it. It is my duty to set a proper example, not only for my own house, for all six.

MW: Well, from where I'm sitting, it looks like you do a great job setting that example. In addition to being First Dragon, you're also King Corrin's personal dragon. What does that mean? What are your duties to him? How does that put you at odds with your other brothers?

Oliver stared at me for so long, with such a look of disapproval, that I almost retracted this question. In fact, I'd just opened my mouth to do so when he finally answered.

Sir Oliver: Personal dragon? You speak as if I am his butler, as if he owns me. The dragon/ward bond is a sacred bond and either exists as a reciprocal relationship or does not exist at all. You cannot own a dragon, but neither can a dragon lay claim on a ward and the bond fully seal until their ward accepts the dragon.

He smoothed his tie and gave me a dazzling smile I felt all the way to my toes.

It means I will protect Corrin with my very life, guard him until death, either mine or his, for so long as the Goddess wills it be done. I am his protector, guardian, counselor, advisor, and a guide along his path in many ways… As for my brothers…

He picked at an imaginary piece of lint on his perfectly clean, perfectly pressed pants. I recognized the tactic for what it is- he's stalling, and I found it rather endearing.

We must set aside personal feelings toward events, those playing out between our wards, and accept what the Goddess has planned. It is not our place to become personally involved in these matters. Dragons protect and guide in matters of destiny. We do not interfere in them.

MW: I think I'd find it rather difficult to stay out of things. Speaking of staying out of things, being that you are Corrin's personal dragon and Theo's brother, do you feel caught in the middle of the battle for Cait?

He flashed a smile I'm sure he's given at hundreds of PR events. The look is quite sexy on him, and I'm sure helps him charm his way around most people.

Sir Oliver: Milady, there is no “battle”. As I said, dragons protect and guide. We do not interfere.

His gaze captures mine, and I find myself not wanting to look away from the intent look in his magnificent green eyes.

Destroy the dark. Protect the innocent. Guide those of great destiny. Those are the purposes we serve with the utmost honor and nobility…

The smile faded away, replaced by a look of acceptance.

Theo is Second only to me for a reason.

MW: I believe I can see why. So, um, do you have time for some quick fire questions?

Sir Oliver: If I must, but I do need to return to my duties.

MW: OK. I'll be quick. Here we go. Coffee or tea? Wait, Theo said you only drink water. OK, so, wine or Beer? Ugh! I can't believe I asked that again. Yes, I know- no flammable liquids for the fire-breathing beasties.

Oliver gave me a withering look that I took to mean he didn't appreciate my humor. I swallowed and tied to gather my scattered wits.

I'd ask chocolate or bacon, but I assume, like Theo, you don't eat either of them. Nor do you likely dine in public. So, Hmmm. Let's try a different set.

Moonlit strolls or sunny car rides?

Oliver looked at me with an odd mix of amusement and get me the hell out of here.

Sir Oliver: Are
you serious, milady?

I nodded.

You… If you must know, since dragons maintain
a naturally high body temperature, I prefer the cool of the night
air. Given that, I would have to respond ‘moonlit strolls’… And
I like the water. The rocky shore by the Marblehead lighthouse north
of Boston is a quiet spot where I can collect my thoughts.

MW: Modern times or past times?

Oliver: Past. And if you ask why, I will introduce you to my brother Clifford and his menagerie of technological gadgetry now implemented by the Dracopraesi for the protection of high-profile wards.

I smirked, wondering just how many of the brothers I could actually get to meet personally. And if they were all as handsome and sexy as Oliver and Theo. They had to be, right? I shook my head and got back to my questions.

MW: Sorry. Didn't mean to zone out there. Last one. Many loves over time or one true love for all time?

I seemed to have startled him with this question, as he tensed like he wanted to bolt for the door. Instead, he shifted forward and sat at the edge of the couch, ready to leave at a moment notice. He smoothed a hand over his tie and cleared his throat.

Oliver: I do thank you for your gracious hospitality, milady and your great interest in me, thus I will answer this one final question… In my existence, I have had many wards and watched them live and die as the Goddess deemed fit. As well, I have entertained many lovers and cared deeply for each one. Should the Goddess determine falling in love be an appropriate path that I must take in my existence, I would hope to hold one true love for all time… Even a dragon can grow weary of loss.

MW: That was beautifully put, Sir Oliver. Thank you for visiting with me and answering my questions. I really appreciate getting to know you better.

Following the death of her vampire uncle, twenty-one-year-old Caitriona Hayden finds herself in the midst of a trio of quintessential alpha male suitors in 22nd century sovereign America where human females should be seen and not heard.

Theo Pendragon claims her as his ward, ordained to guard her through to a long-awaited destiny unbeknownst to Cait, but finds more than he expected when passion ignites within the dragon for the first time. Always drawn to the pursuit of knowledge rather than the heat of desire, powerful demigod Dante cannot deny everything his future holds in Caitriona. America's monarch, ancient vampire Corrin, has no interest in the frivolity of love, yet marrying Cait could be the answer to his continued survival.

Soon, Cait goes from studying for college exams to choosing a husband in seven days, knowing the consequences are eternal, the love undying, and the bond timeless.ADD TO GOODREADSPRE-ORDER AT AMAZON

About the Author

Melissa A. Petreshock is a full-time writer and member of the Romance Writers of America with past experience in the medical and educational fields, though she has primarily devoted her adult life to raising a family. Born and raised in Kentucky, Melissa spent a number of years in Massachusetts, living outside Boston and in Springfield before returning to her home state where she now resides on a small farm. She enjoys quiet married life and the silliness of her three children, indulging hobbies of music, Zumba, and a minor television addiction in what little free time she finds. Melissa’s interests include causes demanding social change such as mental health awareness and teen suicide prevention. FIRE OF STARS AND DRAGONS is her debut NA Fantasy Romance novel.

I'm so excited to know the release date is creeping closer! The character interviews you're doing, Mary, are so fun!!! It's great to see how they play out and let readers get to know them better. I look forward to the series of interviews coming March 18-20th with the rest of the dragons!

I hope everyone enjoys meeting the dragons and all the characters when the book releases April 29th!

Thanks again for being part of the pre-order mini tour, Mary! It's always fun to hang out on your blog! :-)